Variable Hinge Torque via Electropermanent Magnet

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional portable information handling systems with low Z-height and lightweight materials face challenges in managing hinge torque, leading to torsional forces that strain the housing and require two-handed operation for opening, while low torque during opening results in insecure housing position and potential damage during storage.

Innovation Solution

A system with a friction device interfacing the hinge axle, utilizing an electropermanent magnet to selectively adjust torque based on user interactions, providing reduced torque for easier rotation and increased torque for secure positioning, allowing one-handed operation and protecting the device during storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If low Z-height and lightweight materials are used, then system size and weight are reduced, but torsional forces strain the housing and require two-handed operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem weightVSAvoidease of opening

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge torque is made dynamically adjustable through an electronic control system that varies torque based on the rotational position and operational mode. The system transitions from a static hinge mechanism to a dynamic one that can adapt its torque output, allowing easy opening during rotation while maintaining security during storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The torque parameter of the hinge is changed dynamically based on operational conditions. The electronic control system adjusts the torque magnitude in real-time, reducing it during opening operations to facilitate ease of operation and increasing it during storage positions to secure the housing portions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If reduced torque is applied during opening, then ease of operation is improved, but housing position becomes insecure during storage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of openingVSAvoidhousing position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge torque is made dynamically adjustable through an electronic control system that varies torque based on the rotational position and operational mode. The system transitions from a static hinge mechanism to a dynamic one that can adapt its torque output, allowing easy opening during rotation while maintaining security during storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic control system continuously monitors the rotational position of the hinge and provides feedback to adjust torque accordingly. When the housing portions are in storage positions, the system increases torque to secure them; when opening is detected, the system reduces torque to facilitate ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If increased torque is applied to hold housing portions in position, then housing position stability is improved, but torsional forces strain housing and hinge mechanical constraints

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehousing position stabilityVSAvoidhousing and hinge strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge torque is made dynamically adjustable through an electronic control system that varies torque based on the rotational position and operational mode. The system transitions from a static hinge mechanism to a dynamic one that can adapt its torque output, allowing easy opening during rotation while maintaining security during storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The torque is applied periodically rather than continuously at high levels. The electronic control system activates high torque only when needed to hold the housing in storage positions, and reduces torque during opening operations, thereby minimizing cumulative torsional strain on the housing and hinge mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution reduces torsional forces, enabling the use of lighter materials, facilitates one-handed operation, and ensures secure positioning of the housing, minimizing the risk of damage during storage and transport.

Implementation Method 1

an electropermanent magnet has a magnetic field toggled between on and off settings to selectively increase and decrease torque at the hinge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

A friction device interfacing between an axle and a bracket of the hinge generates friction that resists rotation of the axle relative to the bracket to provide torque that holds the housing portions in a rotational orientation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS10852765B2Electronically controlled variable hinge torque

Publication Date: 2020.12.01 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

A portable information handling system rotationally couples housing portions with a hinge having an adjustable friction device that adjusts a torque resisting rotation of the housing portions between alternate settings by sending an electronic pulse to an electropermanent magnet. For instance, activation of a magnetic field pulls a lever that compresses compression discs coupled to a hinge axle to increase torque, such as to hold the housing portions in position. An electronic pulse deactivates the magnetic field when an end user desires to rotate the housing portions, such as may be indicated by an end user touch at a housing portion.